Bovey Tracey
FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG
Bovey Tracey
CRICKET CLUB
In the middle of the 19th Century, an area of land outside the small
village of Bovey Tracey, covered with gorse, bracken, silver birch and
fir trees was known as ‘Bovey Heath’. It was here in 1850 that a small
band of men believed to be from the local pottery cut out a cricket
pitch and formed the Bovey Tracey Cricket Club.
It is thought that the current Pavilion was built
about 1860. Initially, it was a thatched single
roomed building as there would have been
no call for changing rooms in those
early days. It is interesting to note
that it was erected facing North
as were most Pavilions in those
days as the Victorians were
not sun lovers and preferred
sitting in the shade. The
Pavilion was heated by an
open fire which was used
up to the 1930’s and this
was probably the cause of
the fire in the 1870’s, which
destroyed the thatched
roof.
Many additions, such
as changing rooms, showers
etc. have taken place. In 2015,
a huge renovation took place
of the social area referred to as
the ‘Long room’, plus the kitchen,
scorebox and balcony. Lack of
sufficient funds have prevented the
second phase taking place which is the
renovation, improvements to the changing
rooms, showers, toilets and machine store.
Over the years Bovey Tracey has grown and is now referred
to as a town.
My Father played for the Club from about 1935 at the
age of 12, and was the first player from the Club to represent
Devon County Cricket Club. He played for eleven years for the
County and was ‘capped’. My own involvement was through
my Father in 1966 when I was 13. My Father introduced a Colts
team which played other local Clubs. The team was unlike
those of today in that anyone played under the age of 17. In
1975, I emulated my Father in 1975 by being the second Bovey
Tracey player to represent Devon County Cricket Club.
At the end of that season I left to join Torquay C.C. who at
that time were considered the Premier team in the area. After
eleven years I returned to Bovey Tracey and have been there
ever since as 1st XI Captain, Vice Chairman and Chairman for
the past 16 years.
34 Issue 48
There are many challenges in my role as
Chairman and as an organisation we rely
solely on volunteers. Ensuring everyone
is happy with their particular role
is challenging. Sourcing funds
for Pavilion and equipment
improvements
is
equally
challenging.
The cricket club has
enjoyed another successful
season. Having won the
Devon Premier League in
2017 the 1st team retained
its Premier League status.
The 2nd team won the ‘C’
Division West and has
gained promotion to the
‘B’ Division and now the
leading 2nd anywhere in
Devon. The 3rd team also
won promotion and the 4th
team continues to provide
cricketing
opportunities
for
young and old alike. Our ladies
section goes from strength to strength.
Additionally, and most importantly, we
are the most successful youth section in the
South Devon area
There when you need us...
Bridget Holness, our Consultant Solicitor, is on
hand for all you personal legal need.
Based in Bovey Tracey, she will visit you at home
and at weekends at no extra cost.
Bridget deals with wills, Trust, Probate,
Lasting Powers of Attorney and
Court of Protection Applications
To find out more, call her on
01626 830264 or see us online at
www.nash.co.uk